Fire-extinguishing apparatus



March 24, 1931.

A. c. RQWLEY 1,798,034

FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet P March 24, 1931.

A. C. ROWLEY FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 24, 192'? 5 SheefS-She'et 3 ii y j' Patented Mar. 24, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT eerie ARTHUR G. ROWLEY, OF PHILADELPHIA, P

PENNSYLVANIA, assrenoa T GLOBE Auro- TIC-N OF PENNSYLVANIA nr'nn-nxtrineursnmo APPARATUS Application filed December 24, 1927. Serial No. 242,406.

This invention relatesto improvements inv development of excessive temperature at predetermined points for initiating a flow of water into a suitable vessel or accumulatorz'o' containing a specified quantity or charge oithe foam-iormlng substance, for maintaining said flow until the foam-forming substance has become exhausted, and for then interrupting" the fibw.

Another object of the invention is to provide meanswhereby the apparatus automatically restores its'elfto operativecondition following resetting of the actuating element or elements; as hereinaztt'er' more specifically set 2 forth.

The invention novel structuralfeatures and detailsincluding novel forms of valve constituting ele mentsof the combination.

Inthe attached drawings: Figs. 1 and 2 are respectively side and front elevational views; more or less diagrammatic, illustrating apparatus-made in accordance with my invention;

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Fig. 4 is an elevational view partly in section illustrating the thermostatic release element and associated valve Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the parts shownin Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is a sectional enlargement of one of the control valves.

Referring especially to Figs. 1, 2' andB oi? the drawings, the: apparatus forming the to provide novel apparatus autom ni'atica-llv operatl-vetoa'dmitWater in suitable further resides in certain Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the accumu-- subject of my invention comprises a foam accumulator 1 with the bottom o-f'which communicates a pipe 2 which in the present in stance extends from a suitables'ource of waten supply such, for exai'n'ple as a water main. I v r The accumulator 1 is adapted to hold a predetermined quantity of substance reac tive with Water to generate the foamcon-- stituting the active fire-extinguishing agent. The said substance may be admitted to the accumulatorthrough a normally closed port 4' at the top, and the foam generated when the'water is admitted is permitted to escape through an outlet 5, also at the top of the vessel.

The pipe 2 is normally closed by a valve 10established in a casing 1 1 which includes" an upper section 12 divided interiorly by flexible diaphragm 1 3 into upper and lower chamberslt and 15 respectively. The stem 16 of the valve projects upwardly into the chamber and carries at the top a con caved plunger 17 Ywhich bears against the underside of the diaphragm" 13. A springlS exerts pressure tending to elevate the valve 10 from its seat. The chamber 15 is con nected through a pipe 19- with a drain pipe 201, While the'chamber 14 is directly connected through a pipe 2-1 with the lower chamber 22 ofa valve casing23.

This chamber 22 ofthe casing 23 is connected with the water sup'ply pipe 2throug'h a branch 2 and a connecting pipe 25. The pipe 25 contains a valve 26 and communicates with the chamber 22 through an opening 27 which is controlled by a' stem 28-:projecting therethrough from the" interior oi the chamber. The stem 28-i's carried by plunger 29 normally resiliently held against one end of a cylinder 30 by a spring 31. Accessmay be had to the cylinder through a threaded plug 32 which closes theouter end of the cylinder. The effective area of the port 27 is determined by the size of the stem 28*, and its more or less close fit in the opening.

A port 33 in the top of the chamber 22 is normally closed by a valve 34. This va-lve' is engaged by an element eaestend'ing uppipe 45, see Fig. 2, with a reservoir in the form in the present instance of a pair of upright cylinders 46 connected together and with the pipe 45 at the bottom, and being connected also at the top through a pipe 47 having associated therewith a suitable floatvalve controlled air vent 48.

The chamber 38 of the casing 23 is connected through a pipe 52 with a chamber 53 in a valve casing 54, the pipe 52 having a pressure gage 49 connected therewith through a valve pipe 50. As shown in Fig. 4 this chamber has'extending therefrom a cylindrical extension 55 in which'operates a plunger valve 56. This valve normally closes the inner endof the cylinder 55. and separates it from the chamber 53. The valve 56 carries a stem 57 which projects into and more or less obstructs a port 58 in the chamber 53, this port communicating with the upper end of the pipe 24 extending from the supply pipe 2. The relative cross-sectional sizes of the port 58 and the stem 57 determine theeifective opening of the port. The outer, face of the valve 56 is so formed as to completely close the port 58 when the valve 56 is shifted as hereinafter set forth. From the top of the chamber 53 a pipe 59 containing a check valve 60 extends to one or more sprinkler heads 61 adapted to open under excessive temperatures and located as desired. The cylindrical chamber 55 also has a port 62 which communicates through a pipe 63 with the drain pipe 2'0. A spring 64 in the chamber 55 tends to force the valve 56 from its normal seat closing the cylf inder and the valve plunger is so designed that when the valve is unseated the chambers 53 and 55 are immediately in communication.

The valve 56 is attached to, a stem 65 which extends through the rear of the casing 54 and into the interior of a casing 66 rigidly connected with the casing 54 by arms 67. The casing v66 has a port 66a which is connected through a pipe 68 with the drain pipe 20 and which communicates through a port 69.with

a chamber 70 in the casing. This chamber holds a valve element 71 adapted to close the port 69 but normally retained in a retracted position as shown by the stem 65 which loosely engages the valve. lVhenthe stem 65 is withdrawn, as hereinafter described, a spring 72 forces the valve forwardly against its seat closing the port 69. Access to the chamber 70 andto the valve is had through a threaded plug 73 closing the outer end of the chamber. The chamber 70 is also connected through a 1 This lever has a pipe 74 with the pipe 45, see Fig. 2, and with a pressure gauge 75.

Intermediate the casings 54 and 66 the stem 65 is engaged by a U-lever pivotally suspended at 81 between arms 82-82 of a bracket 83 secured to the casing 54. The connection between the lever 80 and the stem 65 is an operating one, in which trunnions 84-84 on the lever arms project into an annular recess 85 in the stem.

Pivotally mounted at 86, between arms 87-87, on the bracket 83 is a second lever 88.

part 89 which projects between the armsof the lever 80 and at the outer end of this part 89 are oppositely projecting lugs or arms 90 having suflicient span to engage the arms ofthe lever 80. Similar.

lugs 91 are provided on a projecting part 92 of the lever at 80, so that the lever 80 in'effect is confined betweenthese two. sets of lugs 90-90 and The electric release device of which the lever 97const1tutes a part may consist of sultable electrically releasable means contamed 1n a housing 99 secured to the bracket 83, see Fig. 4, for retalnlng the lever 97 In the elevated position, as shown, against the pressure of the weights ,98 and associated suspended parts, which tend to pull the lever downwardly about its pivot 100 on the housing 99. Such a device is illustrated for example in U. S. Patent No. 1,312,895, dated August 12, 1919. The said device further comprises thermosensitive means 104 operative at predetermined temperatures to close the electric circuit of the aforesaid electrical means to thereby release the lever 97; and the parts suspended therefrom. A thermosensitive switch of this character is shown for example in U. S. Patent No. 1,274,248, dated July 30, 1918. 4

The apparatus further includes in the illustrated embodiment, a suitable alarm device 101, located in the pipe 12 intermediate the valve 10 and the accumulator and actuated by water pressure in this pipe to close an electric circuit 102 including a suitable electric signal. This part of the pipe 2 also con tains a drain 103 of the type. including a ball float which permits escape of relatively small quantities of water leaking past the valve 10 and functioning to close thedrain port when a large volume of water is admitted by opening of the valve.

The apparatus is prepared for operation the opposite side of the lever by placing in the accumulator tank a prede termined quantity of the foam-forming substance, and by elevating the lever 97 of the release deviceand with it the lever 88. To closethe valve 56, the lever 80 is provided with a'handle 79 and through the lever 80 the stem 65 may be shifted rearwardly to an extent bringing the valve 56 to its seat, as shown. The chamber 53 being now connected through the port 58 with the water main, water fills the chamber and the main pressure holds the valve 56 toits seat against the pres: sures of the springs 64-and 72. l/Vater also fills thepipes 59 and 52 and the chamber 38 in the valve casing 43, and the main pressure acting on the diaphragm 36 and through the element retains the valve 34 on its seat, closing the port 33. The chamber 22, by reason of its connection with the supply pipe .2 through the pipes 24 and 25, also is filled with water, but the differential areas of the port 33 and diaphragm 36 prevent the valve from .opening. Water is thus excluded from the pipe and cylinders 46 and any water that may previously have 00- cupied the cylinders is permitted to drain through the pipes 74 into the chamber 70 of the casing 66. The valve 71 in this chamber isheld in the retracted position by the stem and the port 69 is therefore open to permit any water entering the chamber 70 to pass through the pipe 68 to the drain.

The chamber 14 of the casing 11 is also filled with water, the main pressure acting through the diaphragm 13 to seat the valve 10 against the opposing main pressure acting on the relatively small area of the underside of the valve. Water is thus excluded from the accumulator, such small leakage as may occur past the valve 10 being drained off through the drain 103 provided for that pur- OSQ.

p Assuming now that the temperature conditions are such as to actuate the thermostat to release the lever 9' 7. This in turn releases the stirrup 94 and the weights 98 cause a rotational movement of thelever 88 bringing the lugs 91 into contact with the lever with sufficient force to open the valve 56 through the medium of the stem 65. Shifting the stem in this manner results in bringing the valve 56 into position closing the port 58 and also opens the chamber 53 to the drain through the chamber 55 and port 62. The valve 71 is also permitted to move by action of the spring 72 into position closingthe port 69.

Closing the port 58 and draining the chamber 53relieves the pressure 011 diaphragm 86 and permits the spring 39 to elevate the element 35 and to allow the valve 34 to open. VVater'now flows through the pipe 45 to the cylinders 46 and the rate of this flow is determined, as described, by the stem 28 in the port 27. It will be noted that theconnection of the cylinders 46 with the drain through the pipe 7 4 has been closed by the previous closing of the valve 71.

With the opening of the valve 34, pressure in the chamber 14 of the casing 11 is relieved here 22 and14 is restored andthe valve 10 again forced to its seat. Obviously, the period during which the valve 10 remains open may be regulated as desired by adjusting the effective size of the port "27in conjunction with the capacity of the cylinders 46. This period of flow to the accumulator is calculated to give in the latter a supply of water proportionate to the amount of the foam-forming substance in the accumulator.

As set forth above, return of the-various operating parts to their original positions results automatically in a flow of water in the apparatus such that theoriginal condition is obtained. 7 i

The apparatus is also actuable through the medium of a sprinkler head of usual design, such as that shown at 61." Opening of this head under. extraordinary temperature conditions results in relief of pressure .in the i chamber 53 and the unseating of the valve 56 by action of the spring 64. The consequent operation is substantially the same as pre viously described. I a

It will be apparent that the apparatus described is subj ectto modification without departure from the invention as defined by the appended claims. a

I claim: 1. In fire-control apparatus, thecombination with a fluid-supply duct, ofa valve controlling said duct,-fiu id pressure meansfor retaining the valve normally closed, thermally actuated means for relieving the pressure to permit the valve'toopen, and means automatically operative to re-apply said pressure after a predetermined interval to close the valve.

2. In fire-control apparatus, the combination with a fluid-supply duct, of a valvecontrolling said duct, means utilizing the fluidsupply pressure for retaining the valve normally closed, thermally-actuated means for relieving the pressure on the valve to permit the valve to open, and means automatically operative to restore the pressure to re-seat'the valve after apredetermined interval.

3. In fire-control apparatus, the combination with a fluid-supply duct, of a valve con trolling said duct, means utilizing the fluidsupply pressure for retaining the valve normallyclosed, said means including a pressure chamber connected with the source of-fluid supply and with a second chamber, a'valve controlling the connection between said chambers, means for retaining the last named valve normally closed, thermally actuated means for releasing said retaining means to permit the last-named valve to open, thereby relieving the'fluid-pressure on the first named valve and permitting said first-named valve to open, and said fluid-pressure being restored and the first named valve re-seated when the said second chamber becomes filled with fluid from the source of supply. 4. In fire-control apparatus, the combination with a fluid-supply'duct, of a valve'in said duct intermediate the said source and the chamber, means utilizing the fluid-supply pressure for normally retaining the valve closed, thermally-actuated means for relieving said pressure with respect to the valve to permit the latter to open, and means automatically Operative to re-apply said pressure to close the valve. 7

5. In a fluid supply system, the combination with a. duct extending from a source of fluid supply, of a valve in the duct, means for closing and for normally retaining the valve closed including acpressure chamber connected with said source of supply, a normally empty chamber, a passage connecting said chambers, a valve in said passage, means normally retaining said last-named valve closed, thermally-actuated means for releasing said retaining means to permit the last-named valve to open, thereby relieving the pressure in the pressure chamber and permitting the first-named valve to open and'to remain open until thesaid normally empty chamber is filled and the perssure thereby restored in the pressure chamber. V a

6. In afluid supply system, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of a duct extending therefrom, a valve in the duct, means including a pressure chamber connected with the said source of supply for closing said valve and for normally retaining it closed, a normally empty chamber, a passage connecting said chambers, a valve in' said passage, means normally retaining said lastnamed valve closed, thermally-actuated means for releasing said retaining means to permit the last-named valve to, open, and means for restricting the flow from the source of supply into said pressure chamber where by when the last-namedvalve is opened the pressure in the pressure chamber is relieved to thereby permit the first named valve to open and to remainopen for a predetermined time interval until the said normally empty chamber is filled and the pressure thereby restored in the pressure chamber.

7. In a fluid supply system, the combinati on with a'source of fluid supply, of a duct extending from said source, a valve in the duct, means for utilizing the fluid pressure in said duct for closing said valve and for normally retaining said valve closed, means for relieving the valve-closing pressure and for automatically're-applying said pressure after a predetermined time interval, a valve controlling said latter means, means for utilizing the pressure in said duct for normally retaining the last-named valve closed, and thermally-actuated means for relieving the closing pressure on said latter valve to permit the first-mentioned valve to open.

'8. In a fluid supply system, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of a duct extending from said source, a valve in the duct, means for utilizing the pressure in said duct for closing said valve and for normally retaining the valve in closed position, means for relieving the valve-closing pressure to permit the valve to open and for re-applying said pressure to close the valve after a predetermined time interval, said latter means including a chamber connected with the source of supply, and a valve controlling said connection, means for utilizing the pressure in saidduct to close the latter valve and to retain it normally in closed position, and a thermally-actuated valve structure including a valve adapted when closed to maintain the said valve-closing pressure, and when open to relieve the said pressure, and a second valve adapted when open to drain the said chamber, and when closed to prevent said drainage.

9. In a fluid supply system, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of a duct extending from said source, a valve in said duct, means for normally retaining said valve closed including a second valve, means including a pressure chamber connected with the source of supply for normally retaining said second valve closed, an exhaust port in said chamber, a valve normally closing said exhaust port and adapted in an alternative position to close the connection between the said pressure chamber and the source of supply, and thermally-actuated means mechanically associated with said valvefor shifting the latter from the normal position closing said exhaust port to the said alternative position to thereby relieve the pressure on said second valve to permit said valve to open and thereby to permit the opening of said first valve. I r i 10. In a fluid supply system, the combination with a source of fluid supply, of a duct extending from said source, a valve in said duct, means for normally retaining said valve closed including a second valve, means including a pressure chamber connected with the source of supplyfor normally retaining said second valve closed, an exhaust port in said chamber, a third valve normally closing said exhaust portand adapted in an alterna tive position to close the connection between the said pressure chamber and the source of supply, thermally-actuated means for shifting said third valve from. the normal position closing said exhaust port to the said adapted to control said exhaust, and means operatively connecting the normally open valve With said thermally-actuated means whereby the latter in shifting the third valve in the said pressure chamber to open the exhaust thereof closes the normally open valve of said other chamber.

ARTHUR O. ROWLEY. 

